October 2nd marks the launch of Mag Hags, an exciting new podcast hosted by award-winning journalists Franki Cookney and Lucy Douglas. This ten-episode series will take listeners on a journey through the last 50 years of UK women’s magazines, from iconic titles like Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Company, and Honey, to lesser-known but equally influential publications.
A Nostalgic Dive Into Women’s Magazines
Each episode will feature Cookney and Douglas revisiting classic issues of these renowned women’s glossies, selecting standout stories to analyse and reflect upon. From revolutionary articles on women’s rights to quirky DIY beauty tips, the duo will highlight what has stood the test of time and what now feels out-of-touch. As they explore topics like sexual liberation and the gender pay gap, the podcast asks how far society has really progressed over the decades.
Celebrating the Golden Era of Magazines
Mag Hags promises to strike a balance between lighthearted nostalgia and deeper cultural commentary. Listeners can expect a mix of the serious and the silly, as the hosts discuss everything from agenda-setting journalism on women’s health to crafting homemade beauty products. The podcast will examine the role these magazines played in shaping women’s lives, and how their legacy still resonates today.
The Hosts Behind Mag Hags
Franki Cookney, a seasoned journalist and podcaster, has written for publications like The Guardian, Cosmopolitan, Stylist, and The Sunday Times. Lucy Douglas, an award-winning editor and former journalist for The Guardian and The Telegraph, brings her unique perspective on the magazine industry’s evolution. Both hosts share a personal connection to the magazines they grew up with, having spent their formative years flipping through Sugar and Just17.
A Personal Love Letter to Women’s Magazines
The real-life friends hope to offer both a tribute to the golden age of women’s magazines and thoughtful analysis on the societal issues that remain relevant today. As Douglas explains, “We expected these magazines to feel dated, but what surprised us most was how familiar many of the issues still are. So much of what women face today was being discussed in these pages decades ago. This podcast is our way of paying homage to the titles that shaped our love for journalism.”
Cookney adds, “Going through these old issues brought back that same excitement I felt as a teen buying the latest Cosmo or Marie Claire. Women’s lives have changed so much, but it’s fascinating to see the echoes of the past in today’s conversations. Plus, who knew there was so much to learn about evolving eyebrow trends!”
Join the Mag Hags Community
Listeners can subscribe to Mag Hags on all major streaming platforms, and sign up for exclusive content on the Mag Hags Substack. Stay updated by following the podcast on Instagram, where you can dive deeper into the magazine archives along with Franki and Lucy.
For lovers of pop culture and nostalgia, Mag Hags is sure to be an engaging trip down memory lane, while also offering a fresh perspective on the evolving landscape of women’s magazines and the issues they’ve covered.
